Monday, November 24, 2014

It's not too late to add a little style and flair to your Thanksgiving table. I have gathered together a collection of fall place cards that are perfect for your Thanksgiving table and can easily be assembled. Each one of these printables or DIYs are super simple, but make a big impact.

Friday, November 21, 2014

I must confess one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving is the pie! Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Apple and more it all reminds me of fall and family!! Here is a collection of some of my favorite fall pie recipes...

Friday, November 14, 2014

Every Saturday I like to wrap up my week with some of My Favorite Things. Please grab a button and join me!

My Favorite Things is celebrating 1 year of sharing and linking up!!

To celebrate and say thanks to everyone who links up each week, the hosts are sponsoring a $100 cash (via Paypal) giveaway!! So sign up, tell you friends, and don't forget to keep sharing your favorite things!!

The holidays come but once a year — all the more reason to make each celebration as special as possible! In addition to preparing a delicious meal, the simplest way to make your guests feel welcome is through pleasing decorations and a thoughtfully set table. From beautiful centerpieces to cleverly folded napkins, here are some creative ideas for decorating and setting the holiday table that will instantly put your guests at ease.

Make Your Guests Feel Welcome

I like to make personalized place cards so everyone feels welcome at the table. Even the simplest place cards can make your loved ones feel that you've put thought into their attendance.
Try using twine to wrap together a few cinnamon sticks. An equally affordable and fragrant option is this small evergreen branch tip, which stays in line with the holiday theme. It is also a lovely keepsake for your guests.

Create Ambiance with a Centerpiece

Use a foliage centerpiece to bring the beauty of nature into your home and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Play into the natural theme by tying a sprig of leaves around the napkins, and adding brightly colored fruits and flowers to bring out the colors of the foliage.
Setting up candles along with your centerpiece can help make your tablescape warm and friendly. The intimate setting created by candlelight has a relaxing effect, helping conversations flow freely.
While creating your centerpiece, make sure that everyone can converse easily. Check that the decorations on your table aren't so high that your guests can't see each other. Instead of taper candles or tall flower arrangements, use votive candles or small plants for your centerpiece. Keeping your table open with spread-out decorations will make it easy for your guests to spark up conversations with each other.

Play with Textures, Patterns, and Colors

Textures add an interesting detail to the tablescape. A velvet tie for example, may look insignificant on its own, but when it's wrapped around a bundle of flatware, it becomes a thoughtful little detail that adds to the consistency of your design.
Patterns like plaid add warmth. Repurpose plaid blankets into a tablecloth or a table runner to give your table a unique accent, and your dining room a welcoming atmosphere.
Even small details like napkins can add something to your table setting. Display fun napkins with beautiful prints to give your table a wonderful pop of color. You can grab some from Ikea, or create your own DIY napkin pieces to match your design exactly. Instead of using napkin rings, use leftover ribbons for that special touch.

Showcase the Food

Without a doubt, food is the main attraction of the dining table. Personally, I love using the best dishes and serving trays that I have because the holidays are a special occasion for me and my family. White plates best exhibit the food, and are easy to match with serving plates, wine glasses, and various types of centerpieces. Similarly, neutral-colored plates are a great option because they easily coordinate with various decorating themes.
If you plan to serve dips and holiday sauces, you can use special serving platters that coordinate with the style of your table. This way, you and your guests can enjoy the food as well as the little details that make the table look delightful.
Finally, don't forget to garnish the food itself for a bit of added color.When setting the table for the holidays, make it your goal to turn the dining room into a warm and inviting space for your friends and family. Use your creativity to the fullest to make your table unique. With lovely decorations and mouthwatering dishes, your loved ones will cherish every minute of the holiday season!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

I think the weather in Metro-ATL has finally changed. Praise God we had a new furnace installed last week as the temperature is suppose to get down into the 40s and 30s. It's feeling more like fall!

Part of fall each year is enjoying a hay ride. Bubee got to show off a little a pose in the tractor.

Little lady got to pick her own pumpkin with her class... Did you know it's impossible to get 10 2-year-olds to stand still and look at the same place? LOL Oh well.

Tuesday Chris and I got to take Little Lady to the Vetren's Day parade.
(Tuesday is the only day of the week that Rosey Posey and Bubee have
classes, so Little Lady got to enjoy some mommy and daddy time!)

This little guy riding shotgun was one of my favorite parts.

This float shows what it's all about! "Freedom is NOT Free"! I personally thank all Vets who have served!

Little Lady didn't care too much for the loud drums, but I think she enjoyed most of the rest of the parade.

Hi! I'm Steph! I am a happily married, work at home, homeschooling mother of 3. I own my own business, Atlanta's Santas, and in the off-season Love to participate in Children's Consignment Sales, Mary Kay, and volunteer at Little Lady's Pre-school.